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Clemson’s Beasley, FSU’s Freeman could play key roles

By Brad Milner | News Herald Writer

Published: Friday, October 18, 2013 at 03:24 PM.

FSU left tackle Cameron Erving will face his toughest test of the season. The Seminoles have given up nine sacks, a total in the top half of the conference. They have yielded five over their last two games, including four against Boston College Sept. 28.

Heavy pressure on Winston could make the running game even more important. FSU is second in the ACC with 228 yards per game and ball control will be crucial in what’s expected to be a high-scoring affair akin to last season’s 49-37 FSU victory.

Freeman, 5-9, 203-pound junior, is fifth in the ACC with 385 yards rushing while adding three touchdowns. He’s produced two 100-yard games and amassed 63 yards and a touchdown on a season-high 17 carries in a 63-0 blowout of Maryland where his production wasn’t a determining factor in the outcome.

FSU had two 100-yard rushers against Clemson in last year’s meeting with running back Chris Thompson and quarterback EJ Manuel each topping the mark. The Tigers haven’t improved greatly against the run, as they give up 158 yards a game, which is near the bottom of the ACC. They have given up more than 160 in three games with a season-high 323 against Syracuse Oct. 5 and 222 in the season opener versus Georgia Aug. 31.

If anyone didn’t know any better they’d think the only players in Saturday’s Clemson-Florida State showdown were Tajh Boyd and Jameis Winston.

The quarterbacks have stolen many of the headlines leading into the 7 p.m. CDT top 5 matchup in Clemson, S.C., and rightfully so. However, two other key figures could have a hand in the outcome that will give the winner control of the Atlantic Division and keep Bowl Championship Series aspirations alive for another week.

For No. 3 Clemson (6-0, 4-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) the potential game changer is defensive end Vic Beasley, one of the nation’s top pass rushers. For No. 5 FSU (5-0, 3-0) some of the pressure may fall on running back Devonta Freeman should Beasley provide pressure in his typical style.

Beasley leads the ACC in sacks (nine) and is tied for first in tackles for loss (12). He’s been tapped the ACC’s defensive lineman of the week three times this season, most recently last week after scoring a touchdown on a fumble recovery and recording a sack in a 24-14 win over Boston College.

Beasley won’t wow anyone with his size at 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, but he makes up for it with speed and unassuming power. He causes trouble for opposing left tackles with his quickness to capitalize on blockers being out of position. The junior also adds a bull rushing complement to his repertoire.

“You can see his knowledge of the position just growing each time he plays. He has all of the attributes,” FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said. “He has the length and can get his hands on you. He has burst. He has athleticism. He can bend his lower body.

“He can change direction. He’s one of those typical great pass rushers. He’s got all the tools and he’s coached very well and he plays very well.”

FSU left tackle Cameron Erving will face his toughest test of the season. The Seminoles have given up nine sacks, a total in the top half of the conference. They have yielded five over their last two games, including four against Boston College Sept. 28.

Heavy pressure on Winston could make the running game even more important. FSU is second in the ACC with 228 yards per game and ball control will be crucial in what’s expected to be a high-scoring affair akin to last season’s 49-37 FSU victory.

Freeman, 5-9, 203-pound junior, is fifth in the ACC with 385 yards rushing while adding three touchdowns. He’s produced two 100-yard games and amassed 63 yards and a touchdown on a season-high 17 carries in a 63-0 blowout of Maryland where his production wasn’t a determining factor in the outcome.

FSU had two 100-yard rushers against Clemson in last year’s meeting with running back Chris Thompson and quarterback EJ Manuel each topping the mark. The Tigers haven’t improved greatly against the run, as they give up 158 yards a game, which is near the bottom of the ACC. They have given up more than 160 in three games with a season-high 323 against Syracuse Oct. 5 and 222 in the season opener versus Georgia Aug. 31.

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